On its 10th anniversary in May 2025, Google announced a major update to the Google Photos editor. The revamped design also added several Pixel 9-exclusive AI editing tools to all Android devices, along with easier QR code-based album sharing. Back then, Google said the reimagined photo editor would take a while to roll out. Turns out, you may have to wait even longer than anticipated.
In its initial announcement, Google noted it would start pushing out the new Google Photos editor for Android users in June. But we are already in the second week of July, with the editor nowhere to be seen. Turns out that’s due to Google being extra cautious with the rollout and only making it available to a select few people. A wider rollout will only commence in August.
The company confirmed in a statement to Android Authority that it’s taking additional time with the rollout. “This is a major redesign for our editor — providing all new helpful suggestions and bringing all our powerful editing tools together in one place — so we are taking our time rolling it out and making sure that it is working well for users before bringing it to everyone,” the company said.
So, if you have been looking forward to trying out new AI editing features like Reimagine and Auto Frame in Google Photos, you’ll have to wait longer. And if you are on iOS, you’ll have to wait even longer, as Google promised iOS support only later this year.
Given Google Photos’ massive user base, it’s understandable that the company is taking a cautious approach before rolling out the redesign to everyone. The company may debut the new UI on the Pixel 10 series in August before releasing it widely.
Revamped Google Photos editor brings smart new tools
Besides a modern new UI, the refreshed Google Photos editor puts all the important and useful editing options upfront. Tapping the Edit button reveals tools like Enhance, Auto Frame, and the new AI Enhance. The latter uses artificial intelligence to offer personalized editing suggestions tailored to each photo.
To make album sharing easier, the new editor introduces a QR code option, letting you skip links and share albums instantly with a quick scan.
